NEW BRIGHTON PIER

THE OPENING CEREMONY.

The opening of the extension of the New Brighton pier took place yesterday, the ceremony being performed by hie Excellency the Governor. • Ther*, was a very large attendance," the- New-Brighton Tramway Company taking down full loads iv. every car. Unfortunately, however, the weather, which had promised to be fine, changed jnat as the openiug ceremony was concluded, and steady, rain fell throughout the remainder of the day. The pleasure of an afternoon spent on the pier was, therefore, spoiled, and the people made for home by the earliest trams. The fireworks -were postponed till a future evening. c The pier has now reached a total length of 700fb.. The contractor for the extension was Mr Geo. Stumblea, andthe engineer, Mr Jfl.deH. Duval, both of Timaru, and they appear to. have carried out their work in a most satisfactory manner. The opening ceremony took place at halfpasfc three. His Excellency, who was accompanied by Captain Johnstone-Stewarfc, was met by Mr T. Stapleton (Chairman) and the Directors of the Company, and escorted to the end of the pier. Among those present at the ceremony were the Mayors of Christcburch and Lin wood, Messrs G. J. Smith and W. W. Collins, M.H.R's, Messrs F. Waymouth (Chairman) and C. Hood Williams (Secretary) ot the Lyttelton Harbour Board, Mr Geo. Mclntyre (Chairman of the New Brighton Tramway Company), Mr Chas. Burgess (Chairman of the Avon Road Board), and Mr H. ' Mace (Chairman of Directors of the City and Suburban Tramway Company). The Chairman, in a few words asked his Excellency to open the pier. ; Lord Glasgow said it was a great pleasure to him to come there and perform the service of opening the pier. That wae so for several reasons. In the first place, because be thought it was only becoming in tnV Representative of her Majesty the. Queen to follow her example in performing ceremonies of that among the people withwhqm he lived. Hβ had Tieen present: at the opening of docks, of railways, and of public buildings, but not before afc the opening of a pier, and was not sure how it waa to be done. He thought it might be by breaking a bottle, as at the ceremony of launching a chip. However, he would show them directly. New Brighton was performing a patriotic action in building a pier of that kind. It was the first of tfie sort in the colony, and he hoped it would be a source of pleasure for many years to come to the inhabitants of the district and other parts of the colony. No doubt for a health resort, as New Brighton ought to be, it would. be a great advantage. It would give the people the benefit of a beautiful view along the coast and a promenade which would be better than the sandy beach. New Brighton was to be commended for erecting the pier, and he hoped it would be a great success and assist to make New Brighton what it ought to be—one of the best health reaorta in the colony. (Applause.) Lord Glasgow.then untied a ribbon which secured aline stretched across the pier, and declared the structure open. Three hearty cheers were then given for his Excellency, who was afterwards shown over the pier, the accommodation for bathers, and the *hed and boat belonging to the New Brighton Lifeboat and Fishing Association. Hia Excellency was shown through the shed by Captain Owles, and he expressed himself as very much pleased with the boat and appointments. Hia Excellency then drove bacic to town, and waa loudly cheered as he left the township, a cheer being also given for Lady Glasgow. At the invitation of the Pier Company a dinner was held in the Assembly Rooms at the New Brighton Hotel, when a large number of guests sat down to an excellent repast. Mr T. Stapleton presided, and the vice chairs were occupied by Messrs H» D. Pine and J. A. Hansmann. Apologies for absence were received from the Hon. W. P. Reeves and W. W. Tanner, M-BLR-'e, and Mr T. S. Weston. Alter the toasts of.««The Queen" and "The Governor" were duly honoured, the Mayor of Christchurch proposed the toast of *' The Parliament of New Zealand," which wa* responded to by Messrs G. J. Smitnand W. W. Collins M.H.R.V; Mr E. Blake proposed " The New Brighton Pier Company," and the Chairman responded; the Mayor of Linwood proposed " The Engineer and Contractor," and Messrs M. de H. puval and Geo. Stumbles responded ; Mr H. D. Pine proposed "Success to the New Brighton Tramway Company," and Mr Geo. Mclntyre responded; Mr W. A. Tribe proposed '■' Success to the Lifeboat and Fishing Association," and Captain Owlea responded ; Mr M. Murphy proposed the toast of "Trade and Commerce," and MrF. Waymouth responded. The toasts of the "Press" and (he " Chairman "cunoludad th* proofing*.'